Community Calendar

The Cortez Journal encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted at least two weeks in advance will have a better chance of getting published; items submitted several days before the event might not get published. For more information, call the Journal at 565-8527.

Weekly group for girls to learn healthy dating

Four Corners Child Advocacy Center (aka The Nest) will offer a six-week group for girls ages 13-17. The focus is on developing healthy dating relationships. The group will be held at the Advocacy Center, 140 N. Linden St., on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. starting on Thursday, Feb. 14. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now. Contact us at 565-8155 or ginger@nestcac.org for more information.

Artisans gallery holds Valentine's Day celebration

The public is invited to join us for a special Valentines Day celebration on Thursday, Feb. 14, at Artisans of Mancos, 101 Grand Ave. We have extended our hours for the special event from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be a raffle drawing for gifts from the artists every half hour. There is no cost to attend, and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 749-4001.

Valentine's Day Dance for those 55 and over

The 55 and Over Dance Club along with the "Country Connection" Band, will have a Valentine's Dance at 7 p.m. on Thursday night, Feb. 14 at the Senior Center, 107 N. Chestnut St., in Cortez. Everybody should wear red! This is a great opportunity to get out and get some exercise, make new friends or just sit back and listen to some good old classic country music. In addition, there will be another Valentine's dance on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., this time at the American Legion at 320 N. Harrison. Come dance to the classic country music of the "Country Drifters." Everyone is welcome! See you there! For more information, call Linda at 769-0447.

'Giving Up Something Bad for Lent' series of classes

Rev. Suzanne Listemann will present a special Lenten Season class in the conference room at the Cortez First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez, beginning on Friday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. and meeting each Friday at 10 a.m. for the following six weeks. "Giving Up Something Bad for Lent" is another way of thinking about engaging in a traditional act of sacrifice and spiritual discipline. Why not give up something that is destructive in our lives, such as envy, jealousy, self-pity, apathy, procrastination, gossip, resentment, negative thinking - and how much better life would be. The 46 days of Lent can be used to prepare to give up something bad while preparing to fully embrace the "Good News" of Easter. The public is invited to attend. For more information, please call Remetha Gustafson at 565-3001.

Legislative Low Down with Sen. Roberts, Rep. Coram

On Saturday, Feb. 16, the League of Women Voters will sponsor a Legislative Low Down in Cortez with State Senator Ellen Roberts of Durango and State Representative Don Coram of Montrose. The program will be at 10 a.m. in the Calvin Denton Room at Empire Electric, 801 N. Broadway. These legislators, whose districts include Montezuma County, will discuss the issues expected to come before the Legislature this year. The event is open to the public. For more information, contact Betty Janes at ejanes@frontier.net or 533-1051.

Animal Tracks and Signs at Mesa Verde National Park

Learn how to discover what animals are out and about during the winter months at Mesa Verde National Park. On Saturday, Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. to noon, hikers will learn how to look for and identify animal tracks and signs, and then explore the hillsides around Morefield Campground. Past animal tracks observed in the area include weasels, rabbits, mountain lions, mice, and coyotes. This hike is limited to 20 people, ages 7 to adult. Meet at the Morefield Village parking lot at Morefield Campground, 4 miles from the park entrance. Snowshoes are provided for those that need them. There is no fee for this hike. Call 529-4631 for reservations.

Orchard Restoration Project pruning workshops

The Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project (MORP) aims to preserve our local fruit growing heritage and restore an orchard economy to our region. Please join co-founder Jude Schuenemeyer for hands-on pruning workshops in our local heritage orchards. These free workshops will be held on Saturdays this month; the next will be on Feb. 16, with a final one on Feb. 23. Participants should meet at Let It Grow, 90 N. Mildred Rd., at 1:30 p.m. to caravan to the orchard, or call ahead for directions at 565-3099. Please dress warmly and wear good boots, gloves and glasses. Coming up, there will also be workshops on grafting.

"How does my belief/practice form my life?" will be discussed on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at a conversation at St. Barnabas Church at the corner of North and Elm Streets. St. Barnabas hosts these gatherings for folks who can't reconcile their life experience with what they believe the church requires; who don't want to check their minds at a church door; or who just don't want to live in a world they think the Christian church espouses but who might value being part of a community of faith. Questions are required. No answers are promised. Call 565-7865 for more information.

M-CHS artists' opening reception

The Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., will host a Montezuma-Cortez High School artists' reception on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. Support our youth and enjoy the wonderful student artwork. For more information, call 565-1151.

Soups of the World fundraiser for Bridge Shelter

Grace's Kitchen and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church offer the sixth annual Soups of the World and live dessert auction on Friday, Feb. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. This event supports the Bridge Emergency Shelter. Delicious soups from various regions of the world will be served at Grace's Kitchen at 110 West North St. in Cortez. Tickets are $10; kids 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as from various agencies in the community. There will be a live dessert auction beginning about 6 p.m. with Larry Don Suckla serving as auctioneer. Those that wish to contribute something for auction should bring homemade desserts to St. Barnabas between 1 and 5 p.m. on the day of the event. Contact Kristen or Christy at the shelter at 565-9808 or Betsy Jones at 565-7865 for more information. Join us for this fun soup supper and dessert auction!

Lewis-Arriola 'Warm Up' annual chili dinner, pie auction

Come eat supper, buy a pie and meet your neighbors at the 8th annual "Warm Up" at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center, 21176 CR S (west off of Hwy. 491). The evening includes a homemade chili supper and homemade pie auction, with door prizes such as gift cards for area grocery stores and gas stations. Tickets are $5 for one or five tickets for $20, and are available for purchase in advance or at the door. Proceeds support the free activities and events put on at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center throughout the year. To buy advance tickets or for more information, call Chan at 882-7318, or Carol at 882-7816.

Cowboy Music and Poetry Jam Session

Branded Western, the Colorado Chapter of the Western Music Association, will sponsor a Cowboy Music and Poetry Jam Session at the Montezuma County Annex, 107 N. Chestnut St. in Cortez from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free. Join in the fun and take in the amazing talents of real cowboys and cowgirls as they sing songs and tell stories of cowboy life, past and present. Performers of cowboy song and poetry are wanted to participate; please RSVP to Linda Lee Filener at 769-0447 to be placed on the list of performers for this event.

CMS dramatic arts club presents The Masked Musketeer

The students of Cortez Middle School's dramatic arts club will be presenting their production, "The Masked Musketeer" for the public on Friday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the main gym of the middle school. Tickets may be purchased at the door; children 12 and under are $5; age 13 and older are $7. Information 565-7876 ext. 3302.

Big Moon in the La Platas SJMA winter nature tour

A winter nature tour, Big Moon in the La Platas, will take place Saturday evening, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Folks of all ages are invited to go snowshoeing with the San Juan Mountains Association, in partnership with San Juan National Forest, and certified interpretive guide MK Thompson. Explore wonders of La Plata Canyon as the sun sets and the moon comes up. Snowshoes are available for kids under 120 pounds. To reserve your spots, contact us at MK@sjma.org or 759-9113. Various tours are offered throughout the winter.

Family Pizza and Movie Night event will feature 'Babe'

Bring the kids for Family Pizza and Movie Night on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Montezuma County Annex Building, 107 N. Chestnut, Cortez. Doors open for dinner at 4:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 6 p.m. The G-rated film being featured is "Babe," a funny, heartwarming tale about a little pig that goes a long way. Dinner will include pizza, salad, desserts and lemonade. Bring cash to purchase extra concessions. Feel free to bring a sleeping bag or blanket and pillow; kids are invited to wear PJs. There will be drawings for prizes, and Katya Chorover will hold a Music and Motion session starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets $5 per child and $10 for adults - please help us plan for the event by buying tickets in advance at The Children's Kiva and Silver Bean, or tickets will also be available at the door. All proceeds will benefit the tuition subsidy and scholarship programs at The Kiva. For more information, call 565-8586, or stop by.

Fun-A-Day art show reception with DJ dance party

Sideshow Emporium & Gallery in Dolores, 411 Central Ave., will host the Fun-A-Day art show opening reception and dance party on Saturday evening, Feb. 23 from 6 to 11 p.m. DJ Cannonball and DJ Needlz will spin bumpin' dance beats from 8 to 11 p.m. The Fun-A-Day show is a nationwide creativity movement where artists work on a project daily for one month, then display the work in a collective show. Eight participating Montezuma County artists will have their contributions on view at Sideshow through March 21. Join us for this evening of art, dancing and refreshments. For more information, call 739-4646.

Documentary screening of 'Death by Medicine'

Dolores Healing Space, 102 S. 4th St., will have a free screening of Gary Null's documentary, "Death by Medicine" on the American medical system at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25. Come learn how health care has become the leading cause of injury and death in the U.S.; a discussion will follow. Amy Loschert 676-1011.

M-CHS choir performance

Join the M-CHS choir for a grand performance from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26. Marla Sitton and the choir will be featured in the gallery of the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Donations at the door are appreciated. For more information, call 565-1151.

Dolores Rotary Club Bingo Night

The Dolores Rotary Club will sponsor a bingo night, with all proceeds to benefit the Pinon Project, on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. A light supper and dessert will be served starting at 6:30 p.m. for $5 with bingo to follow at 7 p.m. Cards are $10 for the evening. Dave Sanford 882-7428.

Classical Gas performs Cortez concert

Southwest Colorado Concerts presents Classical Gas, a concert with piano, violin and a whole lot of fun, on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Montezuma-Cortez High School auditorium. Pianist Rich Ridenour teams up with violinist/comedian Steve Brook for a show that is a little bit Jack Benny and a little bit Victor Borge as they perform classics fueled by their own imaginations. The program for the evening includes such great classics as "At the Old Ballgame," Beethoven's "Fifth Symphony" and "11 Finger Rag" by Dykstra. Tickets will be on sale at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m.; single-concert tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for youth 18 years-old and under. For more information, contact Paul Bostrom at 565-9127.

'Play It Safe' presentation on consumer fraud, financial abuse

AARP ElderWatch in conjunction with Montezuma County Senior Center will offer "Play It Safe," a presentation featuring Bob Mager of AARP ElderWatch. This interactive presentation will instruct on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from consumer fraud and financial abuse. Join us at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 22 at 107 N. Chestnut in Cortez. For more information, contact Marsha Green at 564-2775.

Community calendar

Email announcements to news@cortezjournal.com and include “Community Calendar” in the subject field. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries and the calendar may be edited for length and content.

Monday, March 30

SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents Quartetto Gelato at M-CHS at 7 p.m. This Canadian quartet is known for clever programming and humor and...